Satellite photos reveal that Russia withdrew most of its helicopters from a strategic base in Ukraine

Experts say the move could be a sign that the Russian military is trying to avoid the loss of equipment in the southern Ukraine battlefield.

Based on images taken by satellite company Planet Labs for 6 consecutive days, the move to move Russian equipment takes place in the context of the Ukrainian military’s counter-attack in the Kherson area.

Kherson, a shipbuilding center east of the Odessa Sea, was the first major Ukrainian city where Russian troops landed shortly after launching a special military operation.

The capture of the city of Kherson is essential if Russia wants to control southern Ukraine on a large scale. This area is located just north of the Crimean Peninsula, stretching from the Black Sea coast to the mouth of the Dnieper River.

According to the New York Times, last week, Ukrainian forces attacked Kherson airport. An image taken on March 21 shows the “absence” of many military machines at Kherson base, although Russian troops still control the airport.

Earlier, the New York Times verified a video posted on Twitter on March 18 showing Russian vehicles pulling helicopters away from the airport to a town about 40km away.